The physical therapy update for today comes from Mary Brooke.
"Papa walked with a cane today. He also had muscle stretching exercises which he doesn't like. He also did muscle strengthing lessons. I told him he did a good job!" I have a feeling Don loved Mary's praise. He also had Dale, his brother, and his wife Lynn as visitors this weekend. The ultimate surprise was a real meal - fried chicken, mashed potatoes, lemonade and even ice cream. A Sunday picnic for the Eaton/Rice family.
Another week of hard work is ahead. Don sounded excited about his progress and Don Walter assured him we could hook him up with some really snazzy cane.
kjw
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008 4 WEEKS
It is almost unbelieveable that is has been 4 weeks and what a roller coaster ride it has been.
Here is a glance at Don's week from Britney.
Occupatonal therapy: Dad got to enjoy getting in the shower this week. He loved that! He has mastered shaving, teethbrushing, and combing his hair. The therapist is working on his right arm as well as dexterity of his left. He gave us some games that work on cognition and also left hand dexterity. One of them is called High-Q, it is similar to checkers but is played by one person and with small pegs. First, Gary had him put the pegs on the board. Dad arranged them in the shape of the Greek cross, the board is kind of shaped that way. Gary said that was good. He did well at that game. Dad and I also played war with the deck of cards. He did that one without really having to think so cognitively he is doing very well. Gary left the deck of cards and High-Q for us to play this weekend. At this point, his left hand ( and he is right handed) will be his writing, and other fine motor dominant hand.
Physical therapy:
Dad is doing very well in physical therapy. Every time he walks the bars he gets faster, and also is less tired afterwards. Today he walked the parallel bars three times, very quickly, no panting afterwards. So, they decided to get out the cane. He used the cane while walking inside the parallel bars. He is doing very well. They still manipulate his right leg for him but it is getting stronger. Next week he will transition from the parallel bars to the cane. Also they will have him use the seated step machine.
As far as reading cognition, Dad is doing really well. They keep advancing him to the next level. Also, we have been getting out of his room more. Yesterday we went for a walk around the hospital. We looked around the chapel. I am going to get a Nazarene hymnal because there is a piano on his floor and I thought we could sing some songs he knows.
Today we went down to the cafeteria and had a cup of the good coffee and looked out the window at people. It was fun. It’s good for him to get out of the room, he likes it. He also likes to watch Wheel of Fortune during dinner.
The last 2 weeks have shown amazing improvement and every day he is getting stronger and relearns more things.
kjw
Here is a glance at Don's week from Britney.
Occupatonal therapy: Dad got to enjoy getting in the shower this week. He loved that! He has mastered shaving, teethbrushing, and combing his hair. The therapist is working on his right arm as well as dexterity of his left. He gave us some games that work on cognition and also left hand dexterity. One of them is called High-Q, it is similar to checkers but is played by one person and with small pegs. First, Gary had him put the pegs on the board. Dad arranged them in the shape of the Greek cross, the board is kind of shaped that way. Gary said that was good. He did well at that game. Dad and I also played war with the deck of cards. He did that one without really having to think so cognitively he is doing very well. Gary left the deck of cards and High-Q for us to play this weekend. At this point, his left hand ( and he is right handed) will be his writing, and other fine motor dominant hand.
Physical therapy:
Dad is doing very well in physical therapy. Every time he walks the bars he gets faster, and also is less tired afterwards. Today he walked the parallel bars three times, very quickly, no panting afterwards. So, they decided to get out the cane. He used the cane while walking inside the parallel bars. He is doing very well. They still manipulate his right leg for him but it is getting stronger. Next week he will transition from the parallel bars to the cane. Also they will have him use the seated step machine.
As far as reading cognition, Dad is doing really well. They keep advancing him to the next level. Also, we have been getting out of his room more. Yesterday we went for a walk around the hospital. We looked around the chapel. I am going to get a Nazarene hymnal because there is a piano on his floor and I thought we could sing some songs he knows.
Today we went down to the cafeteria and had a cup of the good coffee and looked out the window at people. It was fun. It’s good for him to get out of the room, he likes it. He also likes to watch Wheel of Fortune during dinner.
The last 2 weeks have shown amazing improvement and every day he is getting stronger and relearns more things.
kjw
Friday, June 27, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
The Doctors have decided that Don is not a good candidate for the filter device, but there are still blood clots in his lungs and in his flaccid leg. They are using IV blood thinners and Cumadin to take care of that. The scan of his left leg showed no clots and his echocardiogram showed his heart is in great condition.
We continually hear about how phenomenal his progess has been and we are trusting God for that to continue. Thanks so very much for all the prayers.
Thanks also to Ed Runyon and Dan for stretching the carpets at the Eaton home to make sure there are no wrinkles for Don to worry about. And they also cleaned them. THEY LOOK FABULOUS!! Words cannot express how much this means to the family.
kjw
We continually hear about how phenomenal his progess has been and we are trusting God for that to continue. Thanks so very much for all the prayers.
Thanks also to Ed Runyon and Dan for stretching the carpets at the Eaton home to make sure there are no wrinkles for Don to worry about. And they also cleaned them. THEY LOOK FABULOUS!! Words cannot express how much this means to the family.
kjw
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wednesday evening, June 25, 2008
PRAYERS REQUEST
This morning Barbara, Don and Britney got a wonderful report from the rehab team at St. Luke's. Don is making steady progress and gaining strengh and endurance every day. HOWEVER, this afternoon a test was done and they found blood clots in his lungs one of them being quite large. They are discussing a procedure that might help, but please pray these clots pass without harm. God has worked great miracles in Don's life in the last 2 weeks and this is another hurdle.
Thank you so much for all your prayers.
kjw
This morning Barbara, Don and Britney got a wonderful report from the rehab team at St. Luke's. Don is making steady progress and gaining strengh and endurance every day. HOWEVER, this afternoon a test was done and they found blood clots in his lungs one of them being quite large. They are discussing a procedure that might help, but please pray these clots pass without harm. God has worked great miracles in Don's life in the last 2 weeks and this is another hurdle.
Thank you so much for all your prayers.
kjw
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tuesday Evening June 24, 2008
Don is impressing everyone with his strength as he improves moving from his bed to a wheelchair to go to therapy. Each day brings greater strength and of course more expectations. Barbara said he is enjoying the cards and comments and is reading them HIMSELF!
Pastor Dennis Apple made us aware of a book, "My Stroke of Insight", by Jill Bolte-Taylor. Barbara and Britney are reading it. It is written by a lady who had a stroke in her early 20's and what it is like in the mind of a stroke victim. The author lists some things that she found helpful. I am going to try to put some in the blog from time to time that would apply to those near and far.
1. Honor the healing power of sleep.
2. Stay in touch. If you have a picture to send that would remind me about you please do that. Please write a message on the back of who you are and how we know each other. ( I hadn't thought about the pictures but what a great idea!)
3. Create a healing team for me. Send the word out to everyone about how I am doing so they can send prayers and words of encouragement. WOW!! we got that one right!!!
Pastor Dennis Apple made us aware of a book, "My Stroke of Insight", by Jill Bolte-Taylor. Barbara and Britney are reading it. It is written by a lady who had a stroke in her early 20's and what it is like in the mind of a stroke victim. The author lists some things that she found helpful. I am going to try to put some in the blog from time to time that would apply to those near and far.
1. Honor the healing power of sleep.
2. Stay in touch. If you have a picture to send that would remind me about you please do that. Please write a message on the back of who you are and how we know each other. ( I hadn't thought about the pictures but what a great idea!)
3. Create a healing team for me. Send the word out to everyone about how I am doing so they can send prayers and words of encouragement. WOW!! we got that one right!!!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Don made it back to the 8th floor today. That means hours of therapy both morning and afternoon. Keep up the work Don we are still praying for you. I was with Barbara today when the mail came and she was so very excited about the cards that came. She says Don really enjoys hearing from everyone. She also prints out the blog and comments for him to read. After reading a comment by John and Rhonda, I imagine that they will be working on a name for the new horse. Thanks to John and Rhonda for spoiling Don's horses.
I don't think we have mentioned that there has been another answer to prayer. Josh got his transfer and will be moving back to Olathe when they hire his replacement and he has some training time. It has been very hard on Josh to be far away during this time. We are rejoicing that he will be here in the not too distant future.
kjw
I don't think we have mentioned that there has been another answer to prayer. Josh got his transfer and will be moving back to Olathe when they hire his replacement and he has some training time. It has been very hard on Josh to be far away during this time. We are rejoicing that he will be here in the not too distant future.
kjw
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Sunday June 22, 2008
Don enjoyed visits this weekend from his mother Mary, brother Dale and sister-in-law Lyn. They were amazed of course at his progress. Dale has been assisting Britney with Don's speech therapy for the weekend - those vocalists know about those things. Don walked the parallel bars 3 times today with assistance with his right leg. This is such hard work and exhausting. The therapists are impressed with his strength and determination. Dale and Mary will be returning to western Kansas for harvest. Don is usually a part of that - next year he'll be ready.
The highlight of his day was a visit from Britney's 3 little ones. Their Papa is very special to them and they are great medicine for him.
Thanks so very much to the Hillcrest church where Britney is Minister of Music. Their daycare director Shelly has offered to keep Mary, Matthew and Max ,Don's grandchildren, during the summer so Britney can spend as much time as possible with Don. There has been an amazing outpouring of love and care for the family and Don. They are so very grateful! The lawn is getting mowed, laundry done, and many volunteers willing to assist at every turn. Thanks to all who have offered their help in areas that are their specialties. God has blessed Don and Barbara with wonderful friends and family.
kjw
The highlight of his day was a visit from Britney's 3 little ones. Their Papa is very special to them and they are great medicine for him.
Thanks so very much to the Hillcrest church where Britney is Minister of Music. Their daycare director Shelly has offered to keep Mary, Matthew and Max ,Don's grandchildren, during the summer so Britney can spend as much time as possible with Don. There has been an amazing outpouring of love and care for the family and Don. They are so very grateful! The lawn is getting mowed, laundry done, and many volunteers willing to assist at every turn. Thanks to all who have offered their help in areas that are their specialties. God has blessed Don and Barbara with wonderful friends and family.
kjw
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008 3 WEEKS
Don's brother Dale and his mother Mary came for the weekend. What a difference they see since they left a little over a week ago. The family feels so very blest by all the notes and cards of concern of commitment to prayer on their behalf. What a wonderful testimony to God's miraculous healing touch is being lived out daily in Don. Thanks be to God for his love and care.
kjw
kjw
Friday, June 20, 2008
Friday PM June 20, 2008
The roller coaster ride continues. Since Don has to be fever free for more than 24 hours, he remains on the first floor till Monday - you know hospitals and the weekend. There is conflicting information about possible arterial bypass surgery but for now that is on hold. He practiced walking and is doing great with his speech exercises. He watched a movie today and had a cup of coffee. Oh, how he loves that coffee. He did get moved to a private room and that will help him rest. Let's just say there were some noise issues with his roommate!
Please continue to pray for steady progress with his therapy and guidance for the team that is working with him to maximize his recovery.
kjw
Please continue to pray for steady progress with his therapy and guidance for the team that is working with him to maximize his recovery.
kjw
Friday AM June 20, 2008
Don's fever broke during the night so he is able to do physical therapy but is still a patient of the hospital on the 4th floor not the rehab center. They will work on finding the cause for the fever so they can use appropriate antibiotic and save the SUPER type for emergencies.
kjw
kjw
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